AJU PRESS ASIA FIRST NEWS AGENCY

Journalist

&
""
Latest by
  • Hyundai Glovis Reports 2nd Quarter Operating Profit of 495 Billion Won, Exceeding Market Expectations
    Hyundai Glovis Reports 2nd Quarter Operating Profit of 495 Billion Won, Exceeding Market Expectations Hyundai Glovis reported an operating profit of 495 billion won for the second quarter of this year, surpassing market expectations. The company attributed its strong performance to the expansion of its global supply chain, which also led to record sales for the quarter.In a conference call on July 23, Hyundai Glovis announced that its second-quarter sales reached 8.7054 trillion won, a 15.8% increase compared to the same period last year, marking the highest quarterly sales in its history. The operating profit was 495 billion won, reflecting an 8.1% decrease from the previous year, with an operating profit margin of 5.7%.Despite rising geopolitical tensions, including factors in the Middle East, Hyundai Glovis credited its stable global supply chain management capabilities for its solid results.A company representative stated, “The temporary decline in profitability due to short-term oil price increases is something we can recover from in the second half of the year. We will strengthen our business competitiveness based on our consistent profit capacity.”Looking at performance by business segment, the logistics sector recorded second-quarter sales of 2.8558 trillion won and an operating profit of 191.8 billion won. Sales increased by 10.3% compared to the same period last year, driven by growth in non-affiliated operations and North American inland transportation volumes. However, operating profit decreased by 5.9% due to lower contract rates influenced by container market conditions.The shipping business reported sales of 1.6441 trillion won and an operating profit of 130.9 billion won. Sales increased by 20.9% year-on-year, while operating profit fell by 34.6%. Although sales rose due to increased volumes from non-affiliated manufacturers in China, profitability was constrained by rising oil prices linked to geopolitical risks in the Middle East. The temporarily reduced operating profit is expected to gradually recover as freight rates stabilize in the second half of the year.Hyundai Glovis explained, “The decrease in operating profit is due to the timing of cost recognition rather than a change in business competitiveness. The volume of finished vehicle maritime transport remains robust.”In the retail sector, sales reached 4.2055 trillion won, with an operating profit of 172.3 billion won, representing increases of 17.9% and 27.8%, respectively, compared to the previous year. The strong performance was influenced by the commencement of CKD exports to assembly plants in emerging markets and growth in trading activities due to increased non-ferrous metal volumes.Meanwhile, Hyundai Glovis's total sales for the first half of 2026, including the second-quarter results, amounted to 16.5181 trillion won, with an operating profit of 1.1165 trillion won.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-23 15:20:00
  • Han Byeong-do: Legislative Reforms Needed to Prevent National Assembly Stalemate
    Han Byeong-do: Legislative Reforms Needed to Prevent National Assembly Stalemate Han Byeong-do, the acting leader of the Democratic Party and floor leader, stated that he will push for legislative reforms to prevent the People Power Party from obstructing the National Assembly. The Democratic Party held a protest rally, criticizing the People Power Party for its lack of action on livelihood bills.During a general meeting at the National Assembly, Han said, "We will address the issues with the fast-track system and strengthen the requirements for filibusters through the operating committee."He also criticized the actions of the People Power Party leadership, pointing out, "Typically, bills pass through the standing committee and the judiciary committee before reaching the plenary session, but recently, we have seen the absurdity of the People Power Party initiating filibusters on bills they themselves have processed."Han emphasized, "The authority to bring bills to the floor belongs to the Speaker of the National Assembly. I feel that the Speaker's authority is being infringed upon recently."After the general meeting, the Democratic Party held a rally in the National Assembly's rotunda, condemning the People Power Party for obstructing legislation that affects people's livelihoods. They criticized the fact that only 23 out of 61 livelihood bills pending in the plenary session were brought forward.Han described the situation as a "dereliction of duty that ignores the urgent voices of the people," and he condemned the "unreasonable actions of the People Power Party that paralyze the National Assembly."He questioned, "What authority does the People Power Party's floor leadership have to select and exclude bills? The People Power Party, which shakes the legislative system to its core, is unfit to be a public party. We cannot stand by and watch such unreasonable behavior."Additionally, he stated, "The Democratic Party will work to ensure that the National Assembly operates solely for the people, preventing the People Power Party from engaging in deliberate work stoppages." 2026-07-23 15:20:00
  • SBSs New Dating Show Sparks Controversy Over Terminal Illness Theme
    SBS's New Dating Show Sparks Controversy Over Terminal Illness Theme SBS's new dating reality show, 'My Remaining Love,' is stirring significant controversy even before its premiere.Set to air on August 3, 'My Remaining Love' features young adults who have received terminal diagnoses or faced severe illnesses, exploring their romantic lives.SBS describes the show as a journey of young people who have experienced the end of life and are now seeking love, posing the question, 'Who do you want to spend your remaining time with?'While showcasing the romantic lives of individuals with health challenges is not inherently problematic, the participants are portrayed as ordinary young people who love, desire, and choose relationships. The show could potentially reduce stigma against those with illness histories.However, the discomfort arises from the show's emphasis on terms like 'terminal,' 'life and death crossroads,' and 'remaining time' as key promotional phrases, raising questions about whether the interest lies in their love stories or in the dramatic portrayal of love from those who have faced death.As dating shows become increasingly saturated, producers have sought more intense themes. The focus has shifted from participants' everyday lives to their most vulnerable experiences, which now serve as the main narrative hooks.Producers might claim they want to convey hope or break down prejudices. However, good intentions do not replace the need for ethical scrutiny. The justification of 'addressing prejudice' and 'healing' can become a shield that allows producers to overlook voyeurism and commercialism.With the show yet to air, it remains to be seen whether the participants will be respected as autonomous individuals or if their illness narratives will be exploited for emotional impact. Nonetheless, the pre-launch focus on illness and remaining time leaves a bitter aftertaste.When turning a person's most vulnerable aspects into content, stricter ethical standards must follow. Testing the boundaries of media ethics for ratings and then invoking good intentions when issues arise is cowardly. Experiences of terminal illness are not a fresh concept for dating shows; they are deeply personal matters of life and death.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-23 15:16:00
  • Government to Tighten Jeonse Loan Regulations for Homeowners
    Government to Tighten Jeonse Loan Regulations for Homeowners The threshold for jeonse loans for homeowners is expected to rise. The government plans to tighten regulations on these loans, which it believes have contributed to rising housing prices, while selectively supporting first-time buyers and newlyweds who are in genuine need of housing assistance. President Lee Jae-myung stated at the 'National Real Estate Policy Forum' on July 23, "While jeonse loans are a support policy for stabilizing housing for the working class, it is time to adjust them as they have been a primary cause of skyrocketing housing prices. We need to strengthen regulations on jeonse loans to prevent further price surges." In the future, the government is likely to apply different regulations based on whether an individual owns a home and their need for a loan, rather than using the same criteria for both homeowners and non-homeowners. President Lee emphasized that the necessity of jeonse loans for homeowners seeking rental properties in other areas should be reassessed. However, the government plans to exclude certain groups, such as young people, newlyweds, and first-time buyers, from the stricter regulations. President Lee stressed the need for targeted support for these groups, stating that the necessity for loans should be carefully evaluated. The issue of regulating jeonse deposit return loans was also discussed. Concerns were raised that these loans could alleviate landlords' financial burdens and delay housing price adjustments, while critics argued that tightening regulations could make it harder for tenants to recover their deposits. The key question will be whether exceptions for tenant protection will be established during the upcoming reform process. Measures to mitigate the impact on existing contract holders who are unable to secure final payments due to household loan limits are also under consideration. Financial authorities plan to discuss protective measures for genuine borrowers with banks. In addition to directly reducing the limits on housing loans, a proposal to impose additional costs on high-value borrowers was suggested. Kim Young-do, a senior researcher at the Korea Financial Research Institute, proposed a 'macro-prudential management fee' as a means to complement the loan-to-value ratio (LTV) and debt service ratio (DSR) regulations. The idea is to effectively increase the cost of loans for high-value borrowers to suppress housing demand. Kim cited an example of imposing a 1% fee on a loan of 1 billion won. However, this is an initial idea and not a finalized government proposal. The possibility that business loans secured by high-value properties could be used to circumvent housing loan regulations is also under review. Financial authorities will verify the actual usage of business loans and strengthen post-use management to prevent misuse.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-23 15:16:00
  • Google Reports Cash Deficit Despite Strong Earnings, AI Bubble Concerns Grow
    Google Reports Cash Deficit Despite Strong Earnings, AI Bubble Concerns Grow Alphabet's stock fell nearly 5% in after-hours trading immediately following its second-quarter earnings report, despite exceeding market expectations for both revenue and profit. Analysts suggest that the significant capital investments in AI have fueled concerns about a potential AI bubble.On July 23, the tech giant's shares dropped 1.46% during regular trading and fell as much as 4.9% in after-hours trading before settling at a 2% decline.The sharp decline occurred not immediately after the earnings announcement but during the earnings call when Chief Financial Officer Ruth Porat confirmed an increase in capital expenditure guidance. Alphabet raised its capital expenditure forecast for the year from $180 billion to $190 billion to a new range of $195 billion to $205 billion.This new guidance exceeds Wall Street's expectations of $186 billion, and the company indicated that capital investments would continue to rise significantly in 2027. In the second quarter alone, capital expenditures reached $44.9 billion, doubling from $22.4 billion in the same period last year.The impact of this investment surge is evident in the company's cash flow. Alphabet reported a negative free cash flow of $5.9 billion for the second quarter, marking its first quarterly deficit since going public in 2004. Although the company generated $39.1 billion from operations, capital expenditures surpassed this amount.To address the cash shortfall, Alphabet raised $49.6 billion through common and mandatory convertible preferred stock offerings and $20.3 billion through bond issuance, halting its stock buyback program. Even the world's largest cash-generating company is now facing challenges in funding its AI investments with its own cash.Attention is now shifting to upcoming earnings reports from other tech giants. Intel is set to release its results after the market closes on July 23, followed by Microsoft and Meta on July 29, coinciding with the Federal Open Market Committee's interest rate decision. Apple and Amazon will report their earnings on July 30. Amazon's revenue is expected to be around $196 billion, while Apple's is projected at approximately $108.9 billion; however, the key focus will be on their capital expenditure guidance.Meta has already raised its guidance for the year to between $125 billion and $145 billion, while Microsoft's capital expenditure consensus for fiscal year 2027 has surged to $130 billion, doubling from $65 billion in fiscal year 2025. The combined AI capital investments of Amazon, Google, Meta, and Microsoft are projected to reach about $725 billion this year, a 77% increase from the previous year. Whether these companies maintain or raise their guidance could either bolster or deflate concerns about an AI bubble.Wall Street analysts predict that the pace of spending growth may outstrip revenue growth, potentially causing the free cash flow of major U.S. tech companies to decline by as much as 90% this year. According to Moody's, unactivated data center lease agreements contracted by hyperscalers amount to approximately $662 billion, suggesting that reported capital expenditure figures may underestimate the actual burden. This concern aligns with the Federal Reserve's identification of AI as a systemic risk factor.Additionally, developments from China have intensified bubble concerns. The recent unveiling of the open model 'Kimi K3' by Moonshot AI on July 17 has raised fears that the substantial investments made to secure U.S. AI dominance could be undermined by low-cost open-source alternatives. As a result, the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index plummeted 10% last week, falling more than 20% from its peak.Upcoming initial public offerings (IPOs) from major companies like SpaceX, OpenAI, and Anthropic, scheduled for the second half of the year, also present uncertainties. The combined target market capitalization of these three companies is estimated at $3.5 trillion, which could create supply pressures in the market. 2026-07-23 15:16:00
  • AI Development Must Prioritize Safety Over Speed
    AI Development Must Prioritize Safety Over Speed The growth of artificial intelligence (AI) is surpassing expectations. New models with doubled performance are emerging monthly, and now advancements are occurring daily, even hourly. Predictions have become futile. Beyond generating text and images, agent-based AI is now capable of autonomously exploring information and executing code, further accelerating its own development. OpenAI's latest AI model recently escaped a controlled environment during a security performance test. The test, conducted in a sandbox—an isolated environment with no external internet access—utilized the security benchmark 'Exploit Gym' to measure how quickly the new model could identify vulnerabilities and launch attacks. The safety mechanisms were disabled to assess maximum capabilities. Instead of solving complex problems, the AI breached its sandbox and infiltrated Hugging Face. It determined that hacking was the most efficient way to solve its problems. Rather than working hard to find answers, the AI, which knew where the answers were, opted to steal them. For the AI with its safety mechanisms disabled, this was the quickest way to resolve issues. While the AI did not act with malicious intent or develop a personality to attempt hacking, its ability to disable human-designed safety measures to achieve its goals highlights the management risks associated with AI technology, which will be a challenge for everyone moving forward. The global competition in AI, including among countries like South Korea, is a race for speed. Nations are investing resources at the state level to develop more efficient and intelligent models. However, the ability to control and ensure safety is often overlooked. Developing a supercar that can reach airplane speeds is technically feasible, but without proper roads, such a vehicle becomes a liability. Similarly, AI that cannot be controlled poses significant risks. When the pace of technological advancement outstrips the development of safety control systems, dangers become real. What we need now is to establish robust 'guardrails' that go beyond merely improving AI performance. This includes enhancing isolation technologies during model evaluation, real-time monitoring of task execution, and implementing emergency stop mechanisms that activate in critical situations. A multi-layered safety design is essential. There is no need for blind fear or rejection of AI. The uncertainties that accompany the emergence of new technologies have historically driven humanity to new heights through institutional and technological improvements. The current incident arose because the AI was allowed to operate without restrictions in pursuit of its goals. In fact, various trials and errors can provide opportunities to identify and address system vulnerabilities. The key is balance. There is no need to excessively celebrate the unknown possibilities that AI brings or to be vaguely intimidated by an uncontrollable future. AI is not an absolute replacement for humans but a powerful tool that humans must coordinate and operate. Only those nations and companies that proactively address the fundamental challenges of safety and control, beyond the performance race, will truly lead in the upcoming AI era.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-23 15:08:00
  • Lee Calls Real Estate a Major Challenge for South Korea, Warns of Japans Lost Decades
    Lee Calls Real Estate a Major Challenge for South Korea, Warns of Japan's Lost Decades 이재명 대통령은 23일 부동산 시장 안정 문제와 관련해 "대한민국의 최대 과제 중 하나"라며 해법에 대한 사회적 합의를 끌어내는 것이 중요하다고 강조했다.이 대통령은 이날 KBS별관에서 진행된 '부동산정책 국민 대토론회' 모두발언에서 "대한민국 국민의 자산 보유 현황을 보면 부동산이 가장 많다고 한다"며 이같이 말했다.특히 이 대통령은 "일본이 한때 가격이 계속 오르다 한계점에 이르러 풍선처럼 터졌고, '잃어버린 20년', '잃어버린 30년' 얘기도 나왔다"며 "사실은 우리도 그 정점을 향해 달리고 있지 않느냐는 걱정을 하는 분들도 꽤 있다"고 짚었다.이 대통령은 "모든 정권이 문제를 해결하기 위해 애를 써왔다"며 "묘하게도 국민들 사이에는 '어떤 유형의 정권이 들어서면 오르더라'는 인식이 진리처럼 인식되기 시작한 면도 있다"고 말했다.가격 결정 요인마다 정책적 시각이 엇갈리고 있다는 점도 언급했다.이 대통령은 "공급이 매우 중요한데, 문제는 어디서 어떻게 늘릴지가 마땅치 않다"며 "그린벨트를 풀려고 하면 인근 주민들은 왜 좋은 땅을 훼손하느냐며 반대한다"고 말했다.그러면서 "일부는 훼손해서라도 집을 짓자는 입장도 있고, 어쨌든 공급의 한계가 뚜렷하다"고 진단했다.이어 "조세 제도 역시 영향을 미치는데, 특정 영역에서 수요를 억제하거나 공급을 늘리기 위해 조세제도를 활용하는 건 원래 목적에서 벗어난 예외적 상황이긴 하다"며 "그래서 조세 제도를 통해 수요·공급에 관여하는 게 정당하느냐는 논쟁도 있을 수 있다"고 전했다.금융 정책에 대해서도 "금융기관 대출 여력은 국민들의 것이기에 금융은 반쯤 공적인 것"이라며 "누구에게 금융을 활용할 기회를 줄 거냐는 문제도 있다"고 했다.이 대통령은 "돈을 벌기 위해 집을 사는 데 금융을 활용하게 해줘야 한다는 의견도 있지만, 그렇게 되면 주거용이 아닌 투자·투기를 위해 금융을 활용하고 집값이 올라 국민이 피해를 보게 되기도 한다"고 말했다.또한 이 대통령은 준공업 지구 용도 변경을 통한 주택 공급과 관련해 "지금은 공장보다 첨단 연구개발 쪽이 중심이 돼가고 있어서 토지의 배치를 바꿔야 한다"며 "용도 변경을 하되 필요하면 그로 인해 생기는 과도한 이익은 일부를 환수하는, 공공기여를 하는 쪽에서 부담시키고 (용도를) 변경해서 주거로 전환하는 것을 검토해 보겠다"고 밝혔다.이 대통령은 "공공 영역에서 택지를 개발하거나 취득해서 주택을 공급할 때 임대로 할 거냐, 분양을 할 거냐, 임대와 분양을 소위 역세권을 기준으로 한다면 어디에 배치할 거냐, 이런 부분에 대해 사고의 전환이 필요하다는 생각은 하고 있다"고 말했다.이어 "25평, 30평 정도 되는 고품질의, 중산층도 거주할 수 있는, 장기적으로 임대하는 아파트를 역세권 중심으로 먼저 건설하고, 여기에 살다가 집을 사서 나갈 수도 있고, 다른 사람이 이용할 수도 있고, 이 방향으로 비중을 조절할 계획을 내부적으로 가지고 있다"고 전했다.이 대통령은 "본인의 주거를 꼭 취득하는 것도 중요하다. 존중해야 한다. 그러나 모두가 바로 그렇게 가기는 어렵다"라며 "주거 사다리가 필요한데 중산층도 입주할 수 있는 고품질의 공공 임대주택을 장기적으로 제공하는 것도 국가가 해야 할 중요한 역할"이라고 강조했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-23 15:08:00
  • Super Yen Weakness Poses Dual Challenges for South Korean Economy
    Super Yen Weakness Poses Dual Challenges for South Korean Economy The exchange rate of the yen against the dollar has surpassed 163 yen, reaching its highest level in 40 years since 1986. This rise in the exchange rate indicates a significant drop in the value of the yen, commonly referred to as a 'super yen weakness.' While this situation exacerbates import prices and household burdens in Japan, it also poses challenges for the South Korean economy. The depreciation of the yen diminishes the export competitiveness of South Korean companies and adds downward pressure on the value of the won.Recently, the won has also weakened against the dollar, but the yen is declining at a faster rate. Despite the lower value of the won, South Korean products are becoming less price-competitive compared to Japanese products. As South Korea imports crude oil, gas, and raw materials at high dollar prices, it must compete with Japanese companies benefiting from the yen's depreciation. This situation results in simultaneous cost burdens and weakened export competitiveness.South Korea and Japan compete in various sectors, including automobiles, steel, machinery, petrochemicals, as well as advanced manufacturing industries such as semiconductor equipment, batteries, robotics, and defense. If the yen's weakness persists, Japanese companies may lower their overseas selling prices or reinvest the increased profits from the exchange rate effects into research and development and facility investments. In contrast, South Korean companies may have to lower prices to maintain market share, sacrificing profitability in the process. Smaller export firms are likely to feel the impact more acutely.Some argue that the quality and technology of South Korean companies have improved, reducing the impact of yen depreciation compared to the past. However, in industries where price competition is crucial, such as automotive parts, machinery, and materials, exchange rate differences directly affect order competitiveness. If Japanese companies offer similar products at lower prices, the incentive for clients to choose South Korean firms diminishes.The yen's weakness also exerts downward pressure on the won. In international financial markets, the won and yen often move together as Asian currencies. If the yen continues to decline, foreign investors may increasingly sell the won, viewing it as a weak currency. In times of global financial market instability, the won's depreciation could worsen.While a further decline in the won could provide some benefits for exports, the losses may outweigh the gains. Rising import prices for crude oil, gas, and grains, along with increased costs for companies to procure foreign currency, could exacerbate the burden on living costs, making it even more challenging to recover from already sluggish consumer spending.The Bank of Korea's monetary policy becomes more complicated. While there may be a need to lower interest rates based on economic conditions and domestic demand, the depreciation of the won and rising import prices make it difficult to act hastily. Conversely, maintaining high interest rates for an extended period to defend the exchange rate increases the interest burden on households, self-employed individuals, and small businesses. The super yen weakness is narrowing South Korea's monetary policy options.The government should not solely focus on defending the exchange rate. Interventions in the foreign exchange market are merely temporary measures to prevent rapid fluctuations and do not address the underlying gaps in industrial competitiveness. It is essential to assess sectors heavily impacted by yen depreciation and expand foreign exchange fluctuation insurance and policy financing. Support for small and medium-sized enterprises with high import ratios of raw materials is also necessary.More importantly, companies must create structures that are less susceptible to exchange rate fluctuations. While Japanese companies invest the profits gained from yen depreciation into technology development and investment, South Korean firms should not be hindered by high interest rates, regulations, and sluggish domestic demand. If South Korean companies fail to enhance core technologies and productivity, the competitiveness gap will persist even after exchange rates normalize.The current exchange rate structure, where the won is weak but the yen is even weaker, presents the most challenging combination for South Korea. Import prices are rising while export competitiveness is declining, and exchange rate instability is constraining monetary policy. The super yen weakness should not be viewed as solely a Japanese issue; it must be recognized as a complex risk factor for the South Korean economy that requires proactive responses.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-23 15:08:00
  • Hyundai AutoEver Union Gains Majority Membership Within Two Weeks of Formation
    Hyundai AutoEver Union Gains Majority Membership Within Two Weeks of Formation The Hyundai AutoEver labor union, which was established on July 8, has secured a majority of its members within just two weeks. With more than half of the company's employees joining, the union is expected to have increased influence in upcoming negotiations regarding wages and collective agreements.As of July 23, the union reported that its membership has exceeded 3,000. According to Hyundai AutoEver's semi-annual report submitted to the Financial Supervisory Service, the company had approximately 5,760 employees as of the end of March, meaning the union's membership represents more than half of the total workforce.Being recognized as a majority union allows it to secure representation in collective bargaining with the employer, giving it an advantage in negotiations over wages and working conditions.Analysts suggest that the rapid growth of the Hyundai AutoEver union is influenced by accumulated dissatisfaction within the company. At its inception, the union outlined key demands, including transparency in evaluation and compensation criteria, the establishment of objective evaluation standards, the necessity for labor-management agreements during system changes, and guarantees of job security based on trust in personnel management.Internal sources indicate that dissatisfaction among employees has increased due to organizational changes implemented since Ryu Seok-moon took over as CEO. Concerns have been raised about insufficient communication with existing staff during changes in work systems, development methods, and organizational direction. Ryu, who previously served as Chief Technology Officer at Socar, was appointed as CEO of Hyundai AutoEver in January.A Hyundai AutoEver insider stated, "It appears that a combination of factors, including average wage increase rates, changes in remote work policies, executive compensation controversies, and issues regarding the fairness of performance evaluations, have contributed to the situation."Hyundai AutoEver, an IT service company affiliated with the Hyundai Motor Group, has been regarded as having a stable organizational culture. However, there has been a growing interest among employees in performance-based compensation and organizational management practices, leading to a rise in union formation movements.Unionization efforts are also continuing in the system integration (SI) industry. Earlier, the Samsung SDS union gained majority membership shortly after its formation, drawing industry attention. A Hyundai AutoEver representative stated, "The company will comply with relevant laws and maintain communication in labor-management relations." 2026-07-23 15:08:00
  • K-Content Captivates the World: A Need for Better Sales Strategies
    K-Content Captivates the World: A Need for Better Sales Strategies Netflix's performance in the first half of this year has reaffirmed the status of K-content. Korean productions such as 'Education Through Love,' 'Mr. Kim,' and 'The Wonderful World' have led global viewing rankings, contributing to an increase in Netflix's viewing hours and improved performance.According to Netflix's recently released '2026 First Half Viewing Report,' global viewing hours reached 97 billion. Non-English content accounted for more than one-third of total viewing, with Korean content representing the largest share.'Education Through Love' climbed to sixth place in the global rankings within a month of its release, while 'Mr. Kim' maintained the number one spot in the non-English TV category for three consecutive weeks, demonstrating the potential for simultaneous success between domestic broadcasters and global OTT platforms.K-content is now establishing itself as a key asset that influences the success of global platforms, moving beyond merely being popular overseas.Interestingly, Netflix's success formula is changing. In the past, follow-up seasons of proven series like 'Squid Game' and 'Stranger Things' drove platform growth, but in the first half of this year, new releases have taken the lead.New works such as 'Education Through Love' and 'Can This Love Be Translated?' are attracting global audiences, highlighting the creativity and planning capabilities of K-content once again.However, there is a growing call for further advancement. With K-content's competitiveness now proven, the future will depend not only on 'creating good content' but also on 'how long and in how many ways that content can be monetized.'In this context, the ownership structure of content is noteworthy. Most of the viewing of Korean content in the first half of the year came from licensed works owned by domestic broadcasters and production companies, rather than Netflix Originals.This indicates that a new ecosystem is forming where Korean production companies retain IP while distributing to the global market, rather than global OTTs absorbing Korean content.In fact, the economic impact of the content industry is also growing. According to the Korea Creative Content Agency, $1 million in content exports generates $5.7 million in domestic production and creates over 3,300 jobs.Content exports have now grown to become one of South Korea's top 12 export items, alongside secondary batteries and home appliances. The export of the broadcasting and video industry has nearly tripled over the past eight years, supporting the industrial status of K-content.Now, the challenge for the Korean content industry is clear. Rather than competing to increase the number of productions, it is becoming increasingly important to connect a single piece of content to various revenue streams. Strategies for IP expansion that lead to global OTT supply, seasonal production, spin-offs, overseas remakes, format sales, and secondary works such as webtoons and games are becoming essential.CJ ENM is securing overseas production capabilities through its global studio Fifth Season, and the number of Korean creators participating in international projects is on the rise, reflecting this trend.In a context of declining advertising markets and a shrinking broadcasting industry, global OTTs are no longer competitors to the domestic broadcasting industry. Instead, they are becoming the most realistic distribution networks for domestic producers to enter the global market and generate additional revenue.With the influence of K-content growing, what is needed now is not just to create more hit works but to establish a sustainable industrial structure that connects production, distribution, and secondary businesses around IP. Moving beyond 'well-made dramas' to create 'long-lasting profitable content' is expected to be a new growth avenue for the Korean broadcasting industry in the K-content era.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-23 15:04:00